A North East MP has backed legislation to tighten controls over the sale, use and distribution of fireworks.

A North East MP has backed legislation to tighten controls over the sale, use and distribution of fireworks.

Speaking at the House of Commons yesterday, Gateshead East MP Joyce Quin said many people in her constituency had asked for the law to be changed.

Proposed measures would include tougher licensing of suppliers and moves to make it an offence to flout fireworks regulations with maximum penalties set out.

Ms Quin said: "Increasing numbers of constituents have approached me in recent years expressing their concerns at the misuse of fireworks.

"Many of them have suffered harassment and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

"As a local resident myself, I have witnessed this first hand. There should be far stricter rules on the use of fireworks and I welcome the proposed Bill."

Bob Goldsworthy, of Pelaw and Heworth Labour Action Team in Gateshead, welcomed Ms Quin's support. He said: "I constantly hear these concerns of the misuse of fireworks in my work, both in my local area and across Gateshead itself.

"Fireworks are often a source of misery for both people and their pets and I fully support moves to introduce stricter controls on their use."

RSPCA chiefs are also urging people to write to their MPs in support of better control on fireworks. The charity's bosses said almost 5,000 animals were treated for firework injuries in one year alone with 16 having to be put down.